The benevolent banner. [volume] (North Topeka, Kan.) 1887-18??, 1887-06-04

of the Lords Supper, and pronounced
that marvellous discourse which fills
with heavenly fragrance the four
teenth chapter of Johns Gospel. The
time for words was past; the time for
action and suffering had come.
thereafter | will not talk much with
you" he says, "for the Prince of this
world cometh, and hath nothing III
me, AS the Father gave me COM
man dment, even so do. Arise, let |
us go hence" AS the man Christ
Jesus, he Obeys the everlasting
Father, even while he realizes what |
fearful agonies that obedience shall
cost him. There is no drawing back,
no evasion OF the terrible trial he has
to face. Those very disciples have
vet TO be redeemed by his precious
blood, and for the JOY set before him
he must endure the cross.
The summons of the Master to
himself and to the little band in the
upper chamber, is still sounding as
trumpet-call in our ears. 1T we are
true disciples, we will hear and heed
the summons, for the primary princl-
pie of genuine piety is obedience to
| Christ. Is the authority of parents
thoroughly acknowledged in all our
| families as it ought TO be, or even as
| it used TO be? 1t is the very core of
household life, and every child cannot
learn too soon the difference between
"yOu may" and "yOu must" Much
is said in these days about effective
studies" in our colleges and universe
ties. Under certain limitations 1t is
wise arr angement that cOlleglan
! should select the course of study
which shall fit him best for his special
vocation. But to the great mass OF
young people, the studies which are
most essential are those which au-
thOrity prcscribes, many OF which
they would never choose of their own
accord. In Chrst's school there are
no elective studies. Our Master does
not give us the pick and choice, for
we would be certain to shlrk the
lessons that we need most, the les
sons that cut down our pride and
mOrtify our lusts and start the tears
yes, and sometimes draw the hearts
blood. "Fo!low me" is our marching
order The cardinal rule of all dis
ciplcship is TO find ont what Christ
wants, and then do it.
In thousand ways Jesus is saying
to us "Arise, and 60 hence" Chris
tians fall into bad habits, which are
as mischievous to them as they are to
the ungodly. Habit tightens about
one as the poisonous ivy tightens
about a tree, until it kills. Many a
church-member's spiritual life is i'm
perlled, and his or her influence is
DESTROYED from this very cause.
: Character is tainted as bad liquors
: faint wooden vessel.
l Not only from evil habits, but from
/ dangerous associations in business
} and III social life, does the Master
give the short, sharp Injunction to
4 ARISE and depart. When Lot had be-
\ come so intimate with the first fam
u lilies" that his own family was rotteC
e through and through with vice, th'
= order was Cup, get you out of this
Il place" No snare is more subtle OIL
s more dangerous to a child of Goo
t than undue intimacy with world
b lings. Conformity implies resemb
lance. Holiness is not contagious
h but sin is as catching as YariOloid
Christ draws sharp lines, and com
# mands his disciples TO come out anC
e be separate from the worlds ethics
IS and the worlds sinful indulgences
f fla Christian goes over the line Il
scold and taunt the votaries of sinful
G pleasure, he Offends them TO no profit
|, if he goes in order to participate, h
h offends his Master. Where Chris
tian cannot carry Christ and clear
conscience with whether it b.
in politics, society, or amusements-
he has 10 right to set his foot. Ant
,. when Jesus discovers his prOfesse'
followers IN such corrupting cOmpan
ionships, his loving rebuke is Arise
, let us 90 hence"
r. These words are also n trumpet
i call TO higher and holier style o